Summary of the invention
First aspect of the present invention is to attempt to solve above-mentioned and other problem.
According to first aspect of the present invention, the equipment that is used for generating with repetitive mode one group of message is provided, this equipment comprises:
Be used to generate the device of a plurality of message;
Be used for making described message sequence randomization respectively organize message and be in device in the random sequence to form the such message of many groups thereby to make with repetitive mode;
Be used to export the device of above-mentioned many group message.
By make above-mentioned message sequence randomization with repetitive mode, can become very little so that after repeatedly repeating, broadcast the probability of two message continuously, can ignore.
Best is, described message creating apparatus comprises the device that is used for the message stores that is generated is got up, if like this, then described randomisation means preferably is arranged to and can forms the above-mentioned message of respectively organizing by the message that retrieves in the random sequence from above-mentioned storage device.Doing like this is that the present invention is put to actual special effective method, because when making the message sequence randomization, needn't generate said message once more at every turn.
With regard to the convenience of visit, described storage device preferably is arranged to and above-mentioned message stores can be become two-dimensional array at least.For example, also can increase more dimension and can be the different operating person that it generates message with expression.
Best is that described equipment also comprises with above-mentioned output device and linking to each other so that change the device of the speed of the many groups of output message.In this way, can consider to instruct from any bit rate of aforementioned multiplexer.
Same reason, described equipment preferably also comprises with above-mentioned storage device and linking to each other so that estimate the device that is stored in the message size in the above-mentioned storage device, and with above-mentioned output device, link to each other so that change the devices of the speed of the above-mentioned many group message of output according to the size of described message.
Best is that described generating apparatus links to each other by a first in first out device with randomisation means.Since these two assemblies can be at a distance at interval, install and can make them that independent operating is effectively being arranged under one of them out of order situation so FIFO (first in first out) is set.Same reason, described output device preferably includes the device that is used for storing at least one group of message of above-mentioned message in groups, and therefore, this device is independent operating effectively.
A plurality of output devices can be set, and in this case, described equipment preferably also comprises a multiplexer, and it is used to receive the many groups message by above-mentioned a plurality of output device outputs.
The present invention relates to a kind of access control system that is used to broadcast with receiving system, described access control system comprises the said equipment at initiator, then comprises the device that is used to receive described message at receiving terminal.
Described message can be to compose the broadcasting entitlement messages of giving aforementioned receiving system.This entitlement messages is EMM or ECM again then.In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, described output device comprises the EMM reflector, and it is used for EMM is added the data flow that will be broadcasted.
The invention still further relates to the broadcasting and the receiving system that comprise the aforementioned access control system, described system can be used for TV programme is carried out digital radio.
The invention still further relates to and a kind ofly generate the method for one group of message with repetitive mode, this method comprises:
Generate a plurality of message;
Make above-mentioned message sequence randomization with repetitive mode, to form the above-mentioned message of many groups, therefore, each is organized message and is among the random sequence; And
Export above-mentioned many group message.
Best is, described method comprises the message stores that generates in above-mentioned randomization step such step of getting up, and, in above-mentioned randomization step, preferably form the described message of respectively organizing by the message that retrieves in the random sequence.
The method that the present invention also provides the control user that broadcasting and receiving system are conducted interviews, this method initiator comprise with repetitive mode generate one group of message method, comprise the such step of the above-mentioned message of reception at receiving terminal.Best is that described message is the entitlement messages that receives by above-mentioned receiving step.
Another aspect of the present invention below is described.Usually, when the broadcast figure bit stream, message transmission is packet that is made of numerical data and the sign that is used for this packet, the length of described sign is at least two bytes.
According to the present invention, best is, aforementioned output device is arranged to and described many group message can be output into a digital signal, this signal comprises a packet (preferably a plurality of packet) that is made of numerical data and the sign that is used for this packet, and the length of described sign is less than two bytes (preferably a byte or still less).Can reduce bandwidth requirement like this.
Above-mentioned feature can be provided independently.So, according to second aspect of the present invention, providing the equipment that is used to generate digital signal, described digital signal comprises the packet that is made of numerical data and is used for the sign of this packet that described equipment comprises:
Be used to generate the device of aforementioned data bag; And
Be used to generate the device of aforementioned sign;
Wherein:
Described sign generating apparatus is arranged to generate a sign, and its length is less than two bytes.
Described sign comprises an identification parameter and a length parameter, and in this case, with regard to the convenience that realizes, the length of described parameter preferably respectively is 4.
Best is that the digital value of described length parameter is not directly proportional with the physical length of aforementioned data bag.This scope of physical length that just allows described packet is greater than the scope of the digital value of this length parameter.Described equipment also comprises the device that is used to store the table of comparisons, and the described table of comparisons has provided the corresponding relation between the physical length of the digital value of aforementioned length parameter and packet.
Of the present invention this also relates to a broadcasting and a receiving system on the one hand, and it comprises aforementioned device, comprises that at receiving terminal one is used to receive the device of above-mentioned signal at initiator.
Also have, in said method, aforementioned a plurality of message can be output as a digital signal, this digital signal comprises the packet that is made of numerical data and is used for the sign of this packet that the length of described sign is less than two bytes.
Second aspect of the present invention provides a kind of method that generates digital signal with the form of independent solution, and described digital signal comprises the packet that is made of numerical data and be used for the sign of this packet that described method comprises:
Generate the aforementioned data bag; And
Generate aforementioned sign;
Wherein:
The length of described sign is less than two bytes.
Best is that described sign comprises an identification parameter and a length parameter.Best is that the digital value of described length parameter is not directly proportional with the physical length of aforementioned data bag.
Second aspect of the present invention also provides a kind of digital signal, and this signal comprises:
One packet that constitutes by numerical data; And
The sign that is used for this packet;
Wherein:
The length of described sign is less than two bytes.
Best is, described sign comprises an identification parameter and a length parameter, and the length of this identification parameter and length parameter respectively is 4, and the digital value of described length parameter is not directly proportional with the physical length of aforementioned data bag.
The 3rd aspect of the present invention below is described.Common broadcast system generally has strict bandwidth constraints.
So, best is, if aforementioned broadcasting and receiving system also comprise the device that is used for broadcast data, so, this system just also comprises the device that is used to generate control command, described control command is represented the feature of above-mentioned data, and described output device comprises being used for organizing message more and being used to respond the device that above-mentioned control command changes aforementioned repetition rate by variable repetition rate repeated broadcast is aforementioned.
In aspect above-mentioned the 3rd of the present invention, can provide above-mentioned feature independently.
According to above-mentioned the 3rd aspect, a kind of broadcast system is provided, this system comprises:
The device that is used for broadcast data;
Be used to generate the device of control command, described control command is represented the feature of above-mentioned data; And,
Be used for the device by variable repetition rate repeated broadcast message, this information broadcast device is arranged to respond above-mentioned control command and is changed aforementioned repetition rate.
Change aforementioned repetition rate by responding above-mentioned control command, can be specific message and dynamically distribute bandwidth.
In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, described data are signals of expression programming events (event) (preferably Digital Television or radio program incident), and, the device that will be used to generate aforementioned control command is arranged to generate the airtime of expression specific program incident, best is that described message is EMM.Of the present invention this specially refers to paid rating service (Pay PerView) incident on the one hand, and in paid rating Service events, the beholder watches the demand of specific PPV (paid rating service) incident generally to become with the proximity of this incident to mandate.
The programming device can (Server forProgramme Broadcaster SPB) forms said control command by so-called " programming device server ".
Best is that described information broadcast device is arranged to change aforementioned repetition rate when broadcasting the time of above-mentioned incident.Best is that described information broadcast device is arranged to and can was being improved described repetition rate before the time of the above-mentioned incident of broadcasting and improve described repetition rate in the process of the above-mentioned incident of broadcasting.
For example, concerning specific PPV programming events, the speed after the raising perhaps the beginning of 30,20,15,10 or 5 minutes before the time of this programming events of broadcasting and sustainable carry out until passed through above-mentioned programming events half, 3/4ths and even the whole program incident.Lower speed can be once to broadcast in per 30 or 15 minutes, and the speed after improving can be once to broadcast in per two minutes or one minute or per 30 seconds.Certainly, Shi Ji speed needn't be above-mentioned be the numeral; Numeral in the middle of also can being, and described lower speed can be slower than broadcasting in per 30 minutes once, and the speed after improving then can be faster than broadcasting in per 30 seconds once.
Above-mentioned the 3rd aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of broadcasting and receiving system, and this system comprises an aforementioned system, comprises that at receiving terminal one is used to receive the device of described broadcast data and message at initiator.
This also provides a kind of method of broadcasting on the one hand, and this method comprises:
Data are broadcasted;
Generate a control command, this control command is represented the feature of above-mentioned data; And,
By variable repetition rate repeated broadcast one message, can respond above-mentioned control command and change aforementioned repetition rate.
Best is that described data are signals of expression programming events, and described control messages represents to broadcast the time of a specific program incident.
Best is to change aforementioned repetition rate when the time of the above-mentioned incident of approaching broadcasting.More preferably, be preferably in before the time of broadcasting above-mentioned incident and the described repetition rate of raising in the process.
In the condition visitation system of routine, supposing has the certain physical distance between SMS and the SAS, and so, the line fault between SMS and the SAS will cause problem.
According to the 4th aspect of the present invention, a kind of condition visitation system is provided, it is used for providing visit with good conditionsi to the user, and described system comprises:
One Subscriber Management System (SMS); And
One SAS Subscriber Authorization System (SAS), it is connected in above-mentioned Subscriber Management System, and described SAS Subscriber Authorization System comprises the device that is used to generate the device of user's update command and is used for upgrading according to the mentioned order mandate user.
Be arranged in the SMS current by being arranged on the above-mentioned device that is used to generate user's update command in the SAS rather than resembling, the order exchange between SAS and the SMS is minimized.So, can reduce requirement to the interoperability of SAS and SMS.
Above-mentioned the 4th aspect of the present invention also provides a kind of condition visitation system, and it is used for providing visit with good conditionsi to the user, and described system comprises:
One Subscriber Management System, it is used for the user is managed, and described system comprises the database with user profile and is used for the device that (preferably according to above-mentioned database) generates an abort commands that described abort commands is to end specific user; And
One SAS Subscriber Authorization System, it is used for subscriber authorisation, and described SAS Subscriber Authorization System links to each other with above-mentioned Subscriber Management System and is arranged to and can receive above-mentioned abort commands; Described SAS Subscriber Authorization System comprises and is used for according to the device of the user's update command that each user's abort commands is generated a pair of this user and is used for the device that mandate is upgraded the user according to above-mentioned user's update command.
Best is, described Subscriber Management System comprises that being used for (preferably according to above-mentioned database) generates the device of order at the beginning, described initiation command is that specific user can be begun, and user's update command generating apparatus of described SAS Subscriber Authorization System is arranged to and can be generated each user's update command according to above-mentioned initiation command.So described SAS can not only handle the renewal to existing user, and can carry out initial renewal and mandate to new user.
Described SAS Subscriber Authorization System comprises that also one has the database of user profile, and in this case, this system preferably includes the device that is used for the information in this database of upgrading according to the information of above-mentioned Subscriber Management System database.This just can prevent the line fault between SMS and the SAS.
Same reason is provided with a first in first out device between above-mentioned user's update command generating apparatus and renewal authorization device, so that command stream equalization and guarantee to lose order at the Shi Buhui that breaks down.
Described renewal authoring system can comprise and be used for authorization privilege message is exported to the user so that authorize the device that upgrades.In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, described message is EMM.
Described SAS Subscriber Authorization System can provide special authority (for example free authority of finite time section) to new user.This can make described system that versatility is arranged.
The present invention relates to a kind of condition visitation system, it is used for a broadcasting and a receiving system, and this system comprises said system and comprises at receiving terminal and to be used for a device that receives above-mentioned message at initiator.
The invention still further relates to a kind of broadcasting and receiving system that includes above-mentioned condition visitation system.This system generally is used for broadcast digital TV or radio programming.
Embodiment
Fig. 1 shows the general picture of digital television broadcasting of the present invention and receiving system 100.The present invention includes a common digital television system 2000, it uses the digital signal after known MPEG-2 compressibility transmits compression.Specifically, the streams of MPEG-2 compressor reducer 2002 receiving digital signals in the broadcasting center (generally being video signal flow).Compressor reducer 2002 links to each other with scrambler 2004 with a multiplexer by circuit 2006.Multiplexer 2004 receives a plurality of other input signals, compile one or more transport stream and will compress after digital signal pass to the reflector 2008 of broadcasting center by circuit 2010, said circuit certainly is the various ways that comprises telecommunication line.Reflector 2008 is passed to satellite transceiver 2014 by uplink 2012 with electromagnetic signal, in this transceiver, described electromagnetic signal is done the electricity processing and by theoretic downgoing line 2016 it is broadcast to geoceiver 2018, a form of the parabolic antenna that has or lease that described geoceiver is the end user usually.The signal that receiver 2018 is received is passed to integrated receiver/decoder 2020 that the end user has or leases and that link to each other with end user's television set 2022.MPEG-2 signal decoding after receiver/decoder 2020 will compress becomes to be used for the TV signal of television set 2022.
Condition visitation system 3000 links to each other with receiver/decoder 2020 with multiplexer 2004 and is positioned partially in the broadcasting center, is positioned partially in the described decoder.Condition visitation system 3000 can make visit to end user from one or more digital television broadcastings of broadcasting provider.The smart card that can be decrypted the message that relates to commercial programme (that is to say broadcasting one or more TV programme that provider sold) can be injected receiver/decoder 2020.The end user can utilize decoder 2020 and smart card to subscribe pattern mode or paid rating service mode purchase programming events.
Interactive system 4000 also links to each other with receiver/decoder 2020 with multiplexer 2004 and also is positioned partially in the broadcasting center, is positioned partially in the described decoder, and can make the end user by backward channel 4002 and multiple application interaction with modulator-demodulator.
Below describe condition visitation system 3000 in detail.
With reference to Fig. 2, say that on the whole condition visitation system 3000 comprises a SAS Subscriber Authorization System (SAS) 3002.SAS3002 links to each other with one or more Subscriber Management Systems (SMS) 3004 by corresponding TCP-IP circuit 3006 (also can use the circuit of other type), and each broadcasting provider all uses a SMS.In addition, also can share a SMS between two broadcasting providers, perhaps, a provider uses two SMS, or the like.
Use first encryption device that is encryption equipment 3008 forms of " mother " smart card 3010 to link to each other with SAS by circuit 3012.Use second encryption device that also is encryption equipment 3014 forms of female smart card 3016 to link to each other with multiplexer 2004 by circuit 3018.Receiver/decoder 2020 receives one " son " smart card 3020.The communication server (CommunicationServer) 3022 is directly connected in SAS3002 by the backward channel 4002 of band modulator-demodulator with receiver/decoder 2020.SAS also will subscribe authority according to request and send to said sub-smart card.
Described smart card includes one or more commercial operation persons' password.Described " mother " smart card is encrypted different types of message, and " son " smart card is then being had the right in limited time to this decrypt messages.
First and second encryption equipments 3008 and 3014 comprise that respectively a support, has the electronics vme card of the software that is stored among the EEPROM, reaches 20 electronic cards and smart card 3010 and 3016, for each electronic cards, a smart card (smart card 3016) is used for ECM is encrypted, and a smart card (smart card 3010) is used for EMM is encrypted.
Following various assemblies with reference to television system 2000 and condition visitation system 3000 describe the operation of the condition visitation system 3000 of digital television system in detail.
Multiplexer and scrambler
See figures.1.and.2, in the broadcasting center, at first with MPEG-2 compressor reducer 2002 compressions (or reducing bit rate) digital video signal.Then, the signal after will compressing by circuit 2006 is passed to multiplexer and scrambler 2004, so that with this signal and other data multiplex such as other packed data.
Described scrambler generates a control word, and it uses in the scrambler process and be included in the MPEG-2 data flow in the multiplexer 2004.Described control word is that generate and 2020 pairs of programs of integrated receiver/decoder that can make the end user carry out descrambling code in inside.
To represent how to make the business-like access criteria of program also to be increased in the MPEG-2 data flow.Can by a kind of and/or multiple " paid rating service " in multiple " reservation " pattern (PPV) a kind of in pattern or the incident make the program commercialization.In the reservation pattern, the end user subscribes one or more commercial programmes or " program set ", thereby obtains to watch the authority of each channel in the described set.In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, can from channel set, select nearly 960 kinds of commercial programmes.In paid rating service, the end user can buy program as required.This can be by prior preserved program (" reservation pattern ") or by buying programming events (" stochastic model ") and realized once broadcasting.In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, no matter whether the user is the reservation pattern or watches by the PPV pattern that all users are the subscribers, certainly, the beholder of PPV differs, and to establish a capital be the subscriber.
Described control word and access criteria be used to form control of authority message (EntitlementControl Message, ECM); Control of authority message is a kind of by the message that mode sent relevant with the program behind the scrambler.This message includes the access criteria of a control word (it makes can carry out descrambling code to program) and broadcast program.By circuit 3018 described access criteria and control word are passed to second encryption equipment 3014.In this encryption equipment, generate an ECM and with its encryption and pass to multiplexer and scrambler 2004.
Include multiple different composition by broadcasting each service broadcast program that provider provided in the data flow, for example, TV programme comprises video composition, audio frequency composition, captions composition or the like.In these compositions of a kind of service each is carried out scrambler and encryption respectively so that be broadcast to transceiver 2014 subsequently.With regard to the composition of scrambler, need an independently ECM with regard to each of described service.
Program sends
Multiplexer 2004 receives the signals of telecommunication, and these signals of telecommunication comprise encryption EMM from SAS3002, from the encryption ECM of second encryption equipment 3014 and from the compression program of compressor reducer 2002.2004 pairs of programs of multiplexer carry out scrambler and the ECM of the EMM of the program behind the scrambler, encryption and encryption are passed to the reflector 2008 of broadcasting center as the signal of telecommunication by circuit 2010.Reflector 2008 sends to satellite transceiver 2014 by uplink with electromagnetic signal.
Program receives
Satellite transceiver 2014 receives and handles electromagnetic signal that reflector 2008 launched and this signal passed to by downgoing line 2016 and is usually that the user has or the geoceiver 2018 of the parabolic antenna form of renting.The signal that receiver 2018 is received is passed to the integrated receiver/decoder 2020 that the end user has or leases and link to each other with end user's television set 2022.2020 pairs of signals of receiver/decoder carry out multiplexed to obtain to have the program through scrambler of encrypting EMM and encrypting ECM.
If program that is to say not by scrambler, do not transmit ECM together together with MPEG-2, so, receiver/decoder 2020 just carries out decompress(ion) to data and contracts conversion of signals is become vision signal so that pass to television set 2022.
If program has passed through scrambler, so, receiver/decoder 2020 is just extracted corresponding ECM out and this ECM is passed to " son " smart card 3020 of end user from the MPEG-2 data flow.In the notch that " son " smart card 3020 is embedded in the receiver/decoder 2020.Whether sub-smart card 3020 is being controlled the end user and is being had the right ECM is decrypted and visits said program.Words are just passed to receiver/decoder 2020 with the state negating and can not be carried out descrambling code to program with indication if not so.If the end user has authority, then ECM is decrypted and extracts said control word.Then, the above-mentioned control word of decoder 2020 usefulness is carried out descrambling code to program.The MPEG-2 data flow is carried out decompress(ion) to contract and converts thereof into vision signal so that hand to television set 2022.
Subscriber Management System (SMS)
Subscriber Management System (SMS) 3004 comprises a database 3024, and it is also ordered situation, PPV details to all end user's files, (such as expenses standard and propaganda) business data, top and relates to end user consumption and the data of authorizing manage except that other work.SMS physically can be away from SAS.
Each SMS3004 will indicate by corresponding circuit 3006 entitlement management messages (EMM) that will pass to the end user will be made amendment or the message created is passed to SAS3002.
SMS3004 also will indicate and not revise or create EMM but only indicate the message of end user's state variation (relate to the authority of investing the end user when ordering program or to end user's charge amount) to pass to SAS3002.
As described below, SAS3002 sends to SMS3004 with message (the normally solicited message such as call-back information or charging information), therefore, as can be seen, more than between the two communication be two-way.
Entitlement management messages (EMM)
EMM be only by the special-purpose message of indivedual end users (subscriber) or one group of end user (opposite with ECM, ECM be only by one through the program of scrambler special use or under the situation of the part that one group of program through scrambler is same commercial programme, be the special-purpose message of this group program).Each group end user can comprise the end user to determined number.Organize purpose in groups to be to make bandwidth to reach best, that is to say, visit one group of user and can get in touch with some end users.
When being tried out, the present invention can use the EMM of multiple particular type.Individual other EMM by individual other user special use and when the service of paid rating is provided, using usually, EMM comprises group character and the position of user in this group.So-called " group (Group) " subscribed EMM and organized also use when some booking service is managed usually of institute's special use for the user who for example is made of 256 users.This EMM has group id and the user organizes bitmap.Spectators EMM by all spectators special use and can for example being used so that some free service to be provided by a specific operator." spectators " are user's general names, and these users have the smart card of band same operation person's sign (OperatorIdentifier OPI).At last, " unique " (unique) EMM be meant the unique identification of described smart card.
The following structure that typical EMM is described with reference to Fig. 3.The EMM that is embodied as a series of bits of digital data consists essentially of a leader 3060, EMM main body 3062 and a condition code 3064.Leader 3060 comprises again: a type identification 3066, and it is used to identify said type is individuality, group, audience or certain other type; One length mark 3068, it has provided the length of EMM; One is used for the optional address 3070 of EMM; One operator identifies 3072; And, keyword sign 3074.Certainly, EMM main body 3062 can great changes have taken place with the difference of EMM type.At last, the problem that is generally remainder data among 3064 couples of EMM of condition code of 8 byte longs is carried out multiple check.
SAS Subscriber Authorization System (SAS)
The message that SMS3004 generated is passed to SAS Subscriber Authorization System (SAS) 3002 by circuit 3006, and SAS3002 then generates the message acknowledge receipt the message that SMS3004 generates again and these acknowledgement messages is passed to SMS3004.
As shown in Figure 4, above-mentioned SAS comprises in known mode on the hardware level: a main frame 3050 (in the present embodiment, this main frame is the DEC machine), and it becomes a plurality of keyboards 3052 that are used for data and order input to link to each other with one; One or more video display devices (VDU) 3054, it is same as demonstration output information; And, data storage device 3056.Also can on hardware, provide some miscellaneous equipment.
In the present embodiment, above-mentioned SAS runs on the open VMS operating system of standard on the software level, illustrates on the whole that hereinafter with reference to Fig. 5 this overlaps the structure of software, should be realized that, also can realize said software with hardware.
Say that on the whole described SAS comprises: one subscribes link zone (Subscription Chainarea) 3100, and it can provide the authority of subscribing pattern and automatically upgrade this authority in every month; One paid rating link zone (Pay Per View Chain area) 3200, it can provide the authority to the PPV incident; And, an EMM reflector (EMM Injector) 3300, thus it is used for that the EMM that subscribes and the PPV link zone is created is passed to multiplexer and scrambler 2004 and adds EMM to mpeg stream.(Pay Per File, PPF) other authority of authority and so on also can be provided with other similar link zone such as the paid document with regard to computer software being downloaded to user personal computer if grant.
The function of SAS3002 is to manage the access rights to TV programme according to commercial different mode (reservation pattern, stochastic model), said TV programme in can the reservation pattern commercial programme or sell as the PPV incident.SAS3002 generates the EMM that is used for the user according to above-mentioned authority and the information that is received from SMS3004.
Subscribe link zone 3100 and comprise a command interface (Command Interface, CI) 3102, one user's technical management (STM) server 3104, a message builder (MessageGenerator, MG) 3106 and one encryption equipment (Ciphering Unit) 3008.
PPV link zone 3200 comprises: an authorization server (Authorisation Server, AS) 3202; One relational database 3204, it is used to store end user's relevant particulars; One local blacklist database 3205; Be used for above-mentioned wide area information server server (Database Server) 3206; One order centralized servers (Order CentralizedServer, OCS) 3207; One is used for server (Server forProgramme Broadcaster, SPB) 3208 of programming device; One message builder (MG) 3210, its function is substantially the same with the function that is used for above-mentioned reservation link zone, below is no longer illustrated; And, encryption equipment 3008.
EMM reflector 3300 comprises a plurality of message emitter (Message Emitter, ME) 3302,3304,3306 and 3308 and software multiplexing device (SoftwareMultiplexer, SMUX) 3310 and 3312.In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, have two ME3302 that are used for message builder 3106 and 3304 and two other be used for the ME3306 and 3308 of message builder 3210.ME3302 links to each other with SMUX3310 with 3306, and ME3304 then links to each other with SMUX3312 with 3308.
Below to each all elaborate (subscribing link zone, PPV link zone and EMM reflector) of three chief components of SAS.
Subscribe link zone
At first link zone 3100 is subscribed in explanation, and command interface 3102 is mainly used in to be passed to message STM server 3104 and OCS3206 and message is passed to SMS from OCS from SMS3004.Command interface is used as direct command or the batch file that includes order as input from SMS.Command interface is launched message accurately when carrying out syntactic analysis from the message of STM server and can make mistakes (parameter etc. is crossed the border, lacked to parameter) in message.Command interface is followed the tracks of and is the input command of text form in the trace file 3110 but also follows the tracks of the input command that is binary form in the replay file 3112, so that a series of orders are replayed.Can forbid following the tracks of and limiting the size of file.
Below specifically describe STM server 3104 in detail with reference to Fig. 6.The STM server is the leading engine of above-mentioned reservation link zone and can manages free authority, creates new user and upgrade existing user.As shown in Figure 6, order is passed to message builder 3106 by certain form, said form is different from form used when order passed to the STM server.Concerning each order, the STM server can both be only sends to CI at processing command successfully and when sending it to MG with an acknowledge message.
Described STM server comprises a customer data base 3120, wherein stores user's relevant parameter (clever card number, business data, state, group and the position in this group or the like).Above-mentioned database contrasts the content of this database to carry out semantic test and upgrade this database when order is effective the order that CI3102 sent.
Described STM server also manages the FIFO3124 of the first in first out between STM server and the MG (FIFO) buffer storage 3122 and back-up disk.The effect of above-mentioned FIFO is because of any former thereby make command stream equalization from CI temporarily can not respond the time at MG.Above-mentioned FIFO can also guarantee can not lose order under the situation of STM server or MG collapse, and this is because when restarting, described STM can empty FIFO (that is to say and send to MG).Above-mentioned FIFO can be embodied as file.
The core of described STM server comprises an automatic update service device 3126, and it can automatically upgrade and the free authority of generation under the situation that the operator requires.In this case, although should be realized that formation in the new authority of SMS place initialization,, can regard as and comprise and form authority for the first time upgrading.As meeting see, the two can apply greatly identical order and EMM are handled.
Make STM be located away from SAS and make automatic update service device be arranged in SAS rather than (as in known system) is positioned at the feature that SMS3004 is a particular importance, this be because, it can reduce the command number (remembeing that SMS may be in different places with SAS and be controlled by different operators) that need pass to SAS from SMS significantly.In fact, only be begin a new also order of (for example under unpaid situation) termination one existing booking service of booking service from two main commands that SMS asked.By making the order exchange between SMS and the SAS reduce to minimum, can reduce the probability of the command transfer fault in the circuit 3006 between the two, and the structure of SMS generally also need not to consider the characteristics of condition visitation system 3000.
Automatically upgrade by the mode shown in the flow chart of Fig. 7.In order to reduce bandwidth, suppose that very high renewal percentage is standard, so, just in user's group, upgrade, in this most preferred embodiment, every group has 256 individual users.Described flow chart starts from beginning step 3130 and advances to step 3132, in this step, monthly starts update functions (certainly, should be noted that also to have other frequency).Under the situation of frequency monthly, with regard to as do not upgrade authority will overdue current month and after all with regard to months, authority is composed to the end user.
In step 3134, with regard to the individual user's calling party database 3120 in each group and this group, to determine whether to upgrade the authority of particular individual.
In step 3136, subscribe bitmap according to the content formation group as shown in Figure 8 of above-mentioned customer data base.This bitmap comprises 3138 and 256 indivedual user storage areas 3140 of a group id (being group 1-" G1 " in this case).Whether to upgrade according to the specific user and in the above-mentioned bitmap each is arranged to 1 or 0 its authority.One group of typical binary data has been shown among Fig. 8.
In step 3142, pass to message builder 3106 in interior appropriate command with being included in group reservation bitmap.In step 3143, described message builder is provided with an expiration date indicating such date to smart card, surpasses this date certain subscription EMM with no longer valid, and generally this date being established is the end of month for next month.
In step 3144, described message builder generates suitable group according to mentioned order and subscribes EMM and require 3008 couples of EMM of encryption equipment to encrypt, and then, the EMM after encrypting is passed to EMM reflector 3300, in step 3146, EMM reflector 3300 is added the MPEG-2 data flow with EMM.
Step 3148 shows, each group is repeated said process.This process finishes in end step 3150 at last.
In fact, be specifically related to renewal with reference to the described flow chart of Fig. 7 more than to subscribing.Described STM also manages free spectators' authority and new user in a similar manner.
With regard to the free spectators' authority that is used for specific television program or this program in groups, can message builder be passed in one order by STM and be had the suitable spectators EMM (being used for whole spectators) that expiration date is given fate (or all numbers), thereby can obtain this authority with generation.MG orders according to above-mentioned STM and calculates accurate expiration date.
With regard to new user, relate to two stages.At first, the smart card in the receiver/decoder 2020 can provide the free authority (if the operator wishes) of one period preset time (generally being several days) to the user during purchase.This point can be used for the user's and comprise that the bitmap of relevant expiration date realizes by generation.Then, the written material that the user is complete with it is given the operator that (at SMS) manages the user.In case described written material is handled, SMS just provides an initiation command that is used for this specific user to SAS.In case SAS receives initiation command, STM just orders MG that one unique address is composed to this new user (comprising specific group number and the position in this group) and generated special so-called " commercial programme " and subscribes EMM (opposite with common " group " that be used to upgrade charge EMM) to provide authority until the end of month next month to specific user.From at this moment, upgrade with regard to like that automatically carrying out the user as mentioned above.Utilize above-mentioned two stage process, can send an abort commands until SMS to new subscriber authorisation.
Should be noted that described commercial programme reservation EMM is used for new user and is used to reactivate existing user.Subscribing EMM for described group is used to upgrade and hang up.
With reference to Fig. 9, the typical reservation EMM main body (also promptly having ignored leader and condition code) that is generated by said process comprises following major part promptly: 256 reservations (or user's group) bitmap 3152; Be used for 128 managing encrypted keywords 3154 to the EMM encryption; 64 private cryptography key words 3154, it makes 3020 pairs of control words of smart card be decrypted with the visit broadcast program; And 16 expiration dates 3158, it has indicated such date, surpasses this date smart card and will ignore above-mentioned EMM.In fact, in above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, be arranged on three groups of private keywords, one group is used for current month, and one group is used for next month, one group and recovers when being used for being out of order in system.
More particularly, except that managing encrypted keyword 3154, subscribe the EMM main body for described group and have all above-mentioned parts.Described commercial programme is subscribed EMM main body (it is used for the individual user) and is comprised that group ID (sign) back that replaces whole user to organize bitmap 3152 is the position in this group, being managing encrypted keyword 3154 and three groups of private keywords 3156 then, is the due date 3158 of being correlated with subsequently.
Message builder 3106 is used for the command conversion that STM server 3104 sends is become EMM so that pass to message emitter 3302.With reference to Fig. 5, at first, MG generates the EMM main body and it is passed to encryption equipment 3008 so that relative management and private keyword are encrypted.CU doses EMM with condition code 3064 and upward and with this EMM is returned to MG, adds leader 3060 in MG.Therefore, the EMM that passes to message emitter is complete EMM.Described message builder is also determined the emission rate of broadcasting beginning and time that finishes and EMM and these contents is passed to message emitter as suitable instruction together with EMM.Described MG only generates a given EMM once, and Here it is carries out the ME that periodically transmits.
With reference to Fig. 5, message builder comprises the EMM database 3160 of oneself, and this database this EMM in the life cycle stored of relevant EMM.In case its emission time limit is full, just deletes this EMM.Described database is used to guarantee the consistency between MG and the ME, and therefore, for example, when the end user was hung up, ME can not continue to send update signal.In this respect, MG calculates relevant operation and they is sent to ME.
In case generated an EMM, MG just composes a unique sign to this EMM.When MG passes to ME with this EMM, also just transmitted above-mentioned EMM sign (ID).This just can discern a specific EMM at MG and ME place.
With reference to subscribing link zone, message builder comprises that two FIFO3162 and 3164, one are used for the EMM after each relevant message emitter 3302 in the EMM reflector 3300 and 3304, are same as storage encryption.Use FIFO can separate significant distance owing to subscribe link zone and EMM reflector, so even above-mentioned between the two circuit 3166 and 3168 breaks down, also can make the transmission of EMM that continuity is completely arranged.In paid rating link zone, be provided with similar FIFO.
Thereby specifically message builder say so on the whole a feature at conditional access system relate to by length parameter and identification parameter are mixed reduce EMM main body 3062 length to save this method in space.Followingly be explained with reference to Figure 10, Figure 10 has illustrated an exemplary EMM (in fact, it is a PPV EMM, and this EMM is the simplest EMM).In Pid (packet or " parameter " sign) 3170, reduced length.This Pid comprises ID3172 that two parts are promptly actual and the length parameter (this parameter is essential, so that can confirm the starting point of next packet) that is used for packet 3174.Whole Pid is the just information of what a byte, and 4 for the ID use, and 4 are used for length parameter.Because 4 be not enough to limit said length by the mode of pure binary, so used corresponding relation between position and the physical length, this corresponding relation is embodied in the comparison list, and this table of comparisons is stored in the memory block 3178 interior (see figure 5)s in the message builder.Described corresponding relation is as follows usually:
0000=0
0001=1
0010=2
0011=3
0100=4
0101=5
0110=6
0111=7
1000=8
1001=9
1010=10
1011=11
1100=12
1101=16
1110=24
1111=32
As can be seen, described length parameter is not directly proportional with the physical length of packet, and their relation partly is quadratic relationship rather than linear relationship.This just makes length of data package that bigger scope is arranged.
Paid rating link zone
With regard to paid rating link zone 3200, with reference to Fig. 5, specifically, authorization server 3202 has order centralized servers 3207 as client computer, and the request of described order centralized servers is about linking to each other with the communication server 3022 with each user's of buying the PPV program information.
If known from AS3202 have a user, then can carry out one group of transaction.If with regard to order the user is authorized, then AS will form a bill and send it to OCS.Otherwise, just will the signal of order mandate not issued OCS.
If at least one transaction is authorized, so, AS only upgrades end user data storehouse 3204 by database server (DBAS) 3206 when above-mentioned closing the transaction in groups, and this just can make the number of times of database access reach optimum.
AS authorizes the standard storage buy institute's foundation in above-mentioned database, can come in addition access by the DBAS process.In one embodiment, above-mentioned database is identical with the database that STM is visited.
Can authorize according to client's situation refusal (PPV_Forbidden, Casino_Forbidden...).On behalf of SMS3004, STM3104 above-mentioned standard is upgraded.
Also to check as (with credit card, automatically payment or every day legal token purchase volume etc.) buy other parameter of restriction and so on.
With regard to regard to credit card funded payment, contrast the local blacklist that is stored in the local blacklist database 3205 and check card number.
When all checkings equal whens success, described AS just:
1, generate bill and send it to OCS, OCS fills in this bill and is stored in the file, this file is sent to SMS so that handle (bill of client's reality) later on; And
2, upgrade above-mentioned database so that new purchase restriction mainly is set.
If thisly can be applicable to each order with regard to the mechanism of checking and generate bill, the user can ask (can be scheduled to for example 5 films in a session) during the single connection.
Should be noted that the amount of information that is had with SMS compares, AS has that reduced and subscriber-related amount of information.For example, AS does not have user's name or address.On the other hand, AS has user's clever card number, customer consumption rank (therefore, different program service can be used for different users) and various sign, and these signs for example are that the expression user buys on credit or the user suspends or the stolen state of smart card.The time that is spent is authorized in the request that the amount of information that use has reduced helps to reduce the specific user.
The main purpose of DBAS3206 is to improve database efficiency from AS (so, only limit a kind of structure with a DBAS and be actually nonsensical) by concurrent access.An AS parameter defines should connect for what DBAS.A given DBAS can only be connected with an AS.
OCS2307 mainly handles the PPV order.This OCS operates by various modes.
At first, OCS treatment S MS sent such as program updating (for example, if SMS has stored bill, so, OCS does not just generate bill), upgrade wallet and cancellation/more order of new session and so in the smart card 3020.
Each step in the said process is:
1, (uses AS3202) and confirm relevant user;
If 2 effectively, just generate appropriate command to message builder, send a suitable EMM just receive.Order can be:
Program ordering,
Upgrade wallet,
The session deletion.
Note that aforesaid operations and do not mean that the formation charging information that this is because from SMS is known bill arranged already.Make these operations consistent with the purchase of " free program ".
Secondly, OCS handles the order that is received from the user via the communication server 3022.Can be by the modulator-demodulator that links to each other with receiver/decoder 2020 or by with the vice activation of phone 4001 or by receiving these orders with MINITEL, PRESTEL or available similar system.
Once more, the callback request sent of OCS treatment S MS.Below describe back two kinds of operator schemes in detail.
In above-mentioned second kind of pattern, illustrated that OCS handles the order that directly is received from end user (subscriber) via the communication server 3022.These orders comprise (such as being used for specific PPV incident) program ordering, reservation modification that the user asked and the replacement (it is such code that father and mother pay close attention to sign indicating number, and father and mother can limit the authority of watching to some program or certain class program with this code) of father and mother being paid close attention to sign indicating number.
The following mode of handling mentioned order that explains with reference to Figure 11.
The user orders program and comprises the following steps:
1, utilize AS to confirm to call out to order the calling subscriber of specific program by CS3022;
2, with AS the validity of calling subscriber request is checked (with receiver/decoder 2020 order is dealt into AS, can accomplishes this point by the particulars of verifying smart card 3020);
3, determine the price of purchase;
4, check that above-mentioned price can not surpass calling subscriber's credit limit etc.;
5, from AS receiving unit bill;
6, other project in making out a bill is to form a complete bill;
7, above-mentioned complete bill is increased in the charging information storage file 3212 so that carry out subsequent treatment; And,
8, will order accordingly and send to PPV message builder 3210 to generate relevant EMM.
If the user sends the program order with receiver/decoder 2020, so, just on modem line 4002, send described EMM (following will describe its details in detail), otherwise, just broadcast above-mentioned EMM.The line that (using under the situation that receiver/decoder 2020 places an order the user) exception is a modulator-demodulator has certain fault, in this case, EMM is carried out radio broadcasting.
The reservation modification that the user asked comprises:
1, (uses AS) and confirm the calling subscriber;
2, information is sent to command interface, this CI sends to SMS with this information again; And
3, (if can revise, according to the expense of revising) OCS receives replying from SMS by CI.
If revise with receiver/decoder 2020 requests, OCS just generates a confirmation to SMS.Otherwise, for example with regard to phone or Minitel, remind the user to confirm and will reply to send to SMS by OCS and CI.
The replacement father and mother pay close attention to sign indicating number and comprise:
1, (uses AS) and confirm the calling subscriber; And
2, an order is sent to MG to generate a suitable EMM who has a suitable reset password.
With regard to the replacement father and mother paid close attention to sign indicating number, the order of this code that do not allow for reasons of safety to reset resulted from receiver/decoder.Have only SMS, phone and MINITEL or similar system could produce this order.So, under this specific situation, only broadcast EMM with wireless mode rather than with telephone wire.
As can be seen, the user can directly visit SAS particularly OCS and AS, because the communication server directly particularly links to each other with OCS with SAS from the example of the different operation modes of above-mentioned OCS.This important feature relates to and reduces the time that the user passes to its order SAS.
Followingly further specify above-mentioned feature with reference to Figure 12, as can be seen from Figure 12, end user's set-top box (Set-Top-Box) particularly its receiver/decoder 2020 can be directly and the communication server 3022 communicate, communication server 3022 then links with SAS3002.SMS3004 is not passed through in the connection of the communication server 3022 from end user to SAS3002, but directly links on the SAS3002.
In fact, as mentioned above, two kinds of direct-connected methods are provided.
First kind of direct method of attachment is by the language circuit of phone 4001 and suitable telephone wire (and/or by MINITEL or available similar method of attachment), in this case, compare with communication via SMS3004, the end user also must import a series of voice commands or Code Number, but can save time.
Second kind of direct method of attachment comes from receiver/decoder 2020, insert his sub-smart card 3020 by the end user and automatically import data, thereby can reduce the work that the end user must import related data, the possibility of makeing mistakes when this can reduce the time that is spent again and reduce input.
Another feature that comes from the above-mentioned explanation is to reduce last EMM is passed to the time that the end user spends, thereby can encourage the user of selected program to carry out rating.
On wide meaning, with reference to Figure 12, can have by the receiver/decoder 2020 that makes the end user directly with and the ability that communicates of the communication server 3022 that links of SAS3002 realize above-mentioned feature.
As previously mentioned, integrated receiver/decoder 2020 directly links to each other with the communication server 3022 by the backward channel 4002 of band modulator-demodulator, therefore, can be by the order of SAS3002 processing from decoder 2020, generate message (comprising EMM), via backward channel 4002 it is directly returned to decoder 2020 then.Use a kind of agreement (below will be described) in the communication process between CS3022 and receiver/decoder 2020, therefore, CS receives the affirmation information that receives relevant EMM, thereby certainty is increased to said process.
Therefore, for example with regard to the reservation pattern, SAS3002 receives the message of visiting particular event/program from end user's request by means of the modulator-demodulator and the telephone wire 4002 of smart card and decoder 2020, and a suitable EMM returned to decoder 2020 by telephone wire 4002 and modulator-demodulator, described modulator-demodulator and decoder preferably are positioned at set-top box (STB) simultaneously.Therefore, under the situation that needn't transmit the EMM in the MPEG-2 data flow 2002, just can realize this point, thereby can make end user's rating to said event/program via multiplexer and scrambler 2004, uplink 2012, satellite 2014 and data circuit 2016.This just can save time and bandwidth significantly.Actual deterministic precondition is as follows: in a single day the user has paid money for its buying behavior, EMM will arrive receiver/decoder 2020.
In the third operator scheme of above-mentioned OCS3207, the callback request that OCS treatment S AS sends.With reference to Figure 13 this point has been described.Typical callback request is to come callback SAS in order to ensure receiver/decoder 2020 by the needed receiver/decoder information of backward channel 4002 usefulness SAS of band modulator-demodulator.
As command interface 3102 instructed, the message builder 3106 of subscribing link zone generates callback EMM and also sends it to receiver/decoder 2020.Encryption equipment 3008 is encrypted this EMM for the reason on the safety.Described EMM includes receiver/decoder and should be waken up and self is carried out the time/date of callback under the situation of clearly not asked, described EMM can include also generally that the terminal use must dial the telephone number that cries, unsuccessful dialling makes examination afterwards dial number of times and twice group time of delay between crying.
Described receiver/decoder is receiving EMM or is being connected with the communication server 3022 on the time-date of appointment.OCS3207 at first confirms calling subscriber and checking some particulars such as smart card operator and user's particulars with AS3202.Then, OCS require smart card 3020 send various enciphered messages (as associated session number, when monitored session, allow the user to see to look into this session several times, see number of times of the mode of session of looking into, remaining number of tokens, reservation session or the like).The maker 3210 usefulness encryption equipments 3008 of PPV link zone are to these decrypts information.OCS adds call-back information storage file 3214 so that handle and pass to SMS3004 later on these information.For reasons of safety these information are encrypted.Repeat above-mentioned whole process until from smart card, not reading more contents.
A best features of above-mentioned callback feature is: (promptly just after having confirmed that with AS3202 caller is with the family like that as mentioned above) checks that by SAS3002 receiver/decoder is genuine rather than piracy or computer counterfeit really before reading smart card.Carry out above-mentioned inspection in the following manner.SAS generates a random number, and this random number is received, encrypts, returns to then SAS by receiver/decoder.SAS is decrypted this random number.If successful decryption also retrieves original random number, just can conclude that this receiver/decoder is genuine, described process is proceeded.Otherwise this process is just ended.
Other function in the callback process be deletion on the smart card out-of-date session or increase the amount (following in being entitled as " smart card " joint, the latter is illustrated) of wallet.
With regard to PPV link zone 3200, the communication server 3022 is described below.At this most preferred embodiment, the communication server 3022 comprises that on the hardware level one has the DEC machine of four parallel processors.With reference to Figure 14, all be conventional communication processor aspect the communication server many on the software configuration level.With a concrete difference of conventional structure be that described communication service is served also for receiver/decoder 2020 with the voice communication of routine call 4001 simultaneously and can be MINITEL or similar system service.
Should be noted that when with the aid of pictures two order centralized servers 3207 (for " OCS1 " and " OCS2 ") have been shown among Figure 14, very natural, the order centralized servers of any predetermined quantity can be set.
The described communication server comprises two master servers (" CS1 " and " CS2 ") and a plurality of front-end server (" Fronta11 " and " Fronta12 "), two front-end servers have been shown among Figure 14, in general, each master server can be equipped with 10 or 12 front-end servers.Really, although shown two master server CS1 and CS2 and two front-end server Fronta11 and Fronta12 already, can use any amount of master server and two front-end servers.Usually should there be some more than needed.
CS1 and CS2 are connected in OCS1 and OCS2 by high-rise TCP/IP circuit 3230, and CS1 and CS2 then are connected in Fronta11 and Fronta12 by another TCP/IP circuit 3232.
As previously mentioned, CS1 and CS2 comprise the server that is used for " SENDR " (transmission), " RECVR " (reception), " VTX " (MINITEL, PRESTEL or similar system), " VOX " (voice communication) and " TRM " (communicating with receiver/decoder).They link to each other so that signal is passed to front-end server with " BUS " (bus).
Direct and receiver/decoder 2020 communicates by backward channel 4002 usefulness the X25 common network shared protocols of band modulator-demodulator for CS1 and CS2.In a most preferred embodiment, lower-level protocols between the communication server 3022 and the receiver/decoder 2020 is based on the V42 standard agreement of international CCITT, this agreement by error detection and data pass on Gong again can guarantee reliability and use check and (checksum) routine check the integrality of transmission again.Also provide a kind of escape mechanism to prevent to transmit unallowed character.
On the other hand, carry out voice call communication by the front end communication server, each front end communication server can both be by " T2 " (E1) reception of phone isdn line as 30 simultaneous voices connections from connector 3234 to local telephone network of standard at a high speed.
Three specific functions (they can be realized with hardware certainly fully) of the above-mentioned software section of the communication server at first are the protocol informations that the protocol information that will be received from the lower level of receiver/decoder converts the higher level of exporting to OCS to, the secondth, reduce or the synchronous quantity that connects of control, the 3rd is to provide some synchronizing channels under without any situation about obscuring.In the end in aspect, the communication server plays multiplexer, and a given session id (sign) that in fact all uses in whole communication link defines the interactive mode in the particular channel link.
At last, with regard to paid rating link zone 3200, with reference to Fig. 5, the server (SPB) 3208 that is used for programming and one or more programming devices 3250 (it generally all is positioned at the position away from SAS) are with program receiving information.SPB leach with PPV incident (session) information corresponding for use.
An important feature is that SPB passes to MG with the programming events information that leaches, MG then sends instruction (control command) so that change the cycle emissivity of the EMM under the given environment to ME successively, finds out all EMM and changes the cycle rate of distributing to this EMM with the associated session sign by ME and accomplish this point.This feature can be able to be regarded as specific EMM and dynamically distribute bandwidth.In the chapters and sections of the following EMM of relating to reflector, explain the periodic transmission of EMM.
The following environment that changes cycle rate that illustrates with reference to Figure 15, how Figure 15 showed before specific PPV incident when incident finishes in the short time (for example 10 minutes) cycle rate 3252 from for example for example being increased to high cycle rate every 30 seconds to 1 minute every 30 minutes low cycle rate, so that satisfy predetermined power user during this period of time to the demand of PPV incident.In this way, can automatically distribute bandwidth according to predesignated subscriber's demand.This just helps to reduce whole bandwidth requirement.
Can also change the cycle rate of other EMM.For example, can send suitable bit rate by multiplexer and scrambler 2004 instruct and change the cycle rate of subscribing EMM.
The EMM reflector
With regard to EMM reflector 3300, below with reference to the detailed content of Figure 16 description messages reflector 3302 to 3308, message emitter 3302 to 3308 has constituted the part of EMM reflector and has been used from the effect of the output device of message builder.Their function is to obtain EMM and by corresponding circuit 3314 and 3316 EMM (by the mode of wheel commentaries on classics) is periodically passed to software multiplexing device 3310 and 3312 and hardware multiplexer and scrambler 2004.As answer, software multiplexing device and scrambler 2004 generates the global bit rate instruction of the whole cycle rate of a control, and in order to accomplish this point, ME will consider the multiple parameter such as the size of cycle time, EMM etc.In Figure 16, EMM_X and EMM_Y are the group EMM that is used for operator X and Y, and EMM_Z then is other EMM that is used for operator X or operator Y.
Below an example of message emitter is described further, should be noted that remaining ME operates in a similar fashion.ME is particularly transmitting start and end time and emission rate and is then also having under the control from the instruction of MG such as session number and operate if EMM is PPV EMM.With regard to emission rate, in this most preferred embodiment, described dependent instruction can be got near five kinds of very slow values very.In instruction, do not specify above-mentioned digital value, but the real figure value that becomes the dependent part branch of SAS to provide this command mappings by ME.In this most preferred embodiment, described five kinds of emission rates are as follows:
1, very fast per 30 second
2, fast per minute
3, middling speed is per 15 minutes
4, slow per 30 minutes
5, very slow per 30 minutes.
ME has one first and second database 3320 and 3322.First database is used for not obtaining as yet the EMM of broadcast date, and these EMM are stored in a series of sequential files in the described database.The EMM that second database is used for broadcasting immediately.Under the situation of system crash, ME has and reads relevant storage file and the ability of correctly broadcasting again.When MG wishes to keep consistency between the input instruction and EMM to be sent to ME, just be stored in file in the above-mentioned database according to upgrade all from the request of MG.The EMM of actual broadcast also is stored in the random access memory 3324.
FIFO3162 in the message builder and 3164 and message emitter in database 3320 and 3322 combination be meant that if the circuit between the two 3166 interrupts temporarily then they can be operated in mode independently, ME still can broadcast EMM.
Software multiplexing device (SMUX) 3310 and 3312 provides the interface between ME and the hardware multiplexer 2004.In this most preferred embodiment, to limit although say no the ME quantity that can link to each other on the whole with a SMUX, they can respectively receive the EMM from two ME.SMUX puts together EMM then and according to the type of EMM it is passed to suitable hardware multiplexer.This is essential, because the hardware multiplexer is handled dissimilar EMM and they are put into diverse location in the MPEG-2 data flow.SMUX also passes to ME with global bit rate instruction from the hardware multiplexer.
The feature of the particular importance of ME is that it launches EMM by order at random.Reason is as follows.Message emitter can not detect or control what message has been transmitted to multiplexer.So message emitter transmits two EMM that will be received the decode by receiver/decoder 2020 continuously.In this case, if EMM is not fully at interval, then receiver/decoder and smart card just can not suitably detect second EMM and to its decoding.Periodically launching EMM by order at random can address this problem.
Followingly randomized mode is described, in this embodiment, realizes necessary software logic with the ADA computer language with reference to Figure 17.The part of a randomized particular importance is that EMM is correctly stored in database 3320 and 3322 (being used for backing up) and the RAM3324.With regard to concrete cycle rate and operator, store EMM by the number 3332 sequence 3330 (for example from A to Z) and this sequence (from 0 to N) in the mode of two-dimensional array.Cycle rate 3334 is added in the third dimension, therefore, the two-dimensional moment row with the cycle rate as much is arranged.In this most preferred embodiment, 256 kinds of sequences are arranged, 200 or 300 EMM are arranged in every kind of sequence usually, 5 kinds of cycle rates are arranged.Increase the last one dimension of described matrix by different operators, the cubical array with operator's as much is arranged.To delete at MG under the situation of specific EMM, store data in such a way and can retrieve fast.
By " hash " (hash) algorithm (known for " One-Way Hash Function ") store EMM.This is undertaken by model taking method, and therefore, the bigger number of stating in the use in the sequence is filled in continuous sequence before, and it is constant that the quantity of the EMM in each sequence roughly keeps.When MG when ME sends the EMM of a tape identification (ID) 1, sequence " 1 " is distributed to this EMM, and this EMM is with first number 3332 in sequence 3330.Sequence " 2 " is distributed to EMM that has ID2 or the like, until sequence 256.(according to mod) distributes to the EMM that has ID257 with sequence " 1 ", and this EMM takies second number in first sequence, or the like.
For example when the deletion specific EMM that MG asked, use with above opposite process and retrieve specific EMM.Hash algorithm is applicable to the sequence of EMM ID to obtain to hear, after this, searches the number in this sequence.
When from RAM3324, retrieving EMM according to periodicity with randomisation means 3340, will carry out actual randomization, said randomisation means is to realize with the hardware of message emitter and/or software.Said retrieval be at random and be based on above-mentioned hash algorithm.At first, a selected random number (in above-mentioned example, during beginning in 1 to 256 scope) is to form a significant particular sequence.The second, selected another random number is to form the particular number in the above-mentioned sequence.Select said another random number according to the sum of the EMM in the given sequence.In case selected and broadcasted a given EMM, just it is moved in second same memory block among the RAM3324 with hash function.So, in broadcasting during this EMM, the size that can reduce by first memory block by such degree promptly: in case used whole sequence, just with its deletion.In case it is empty that first memory block becomes fully, just before new round EMM broadcasting, replace first memory block with second memory block, vice versa.
In aforesaid way, after two or three cycles of EMM, can on statistics, ignore the probability of any two EMM that are transmitted as same end user's appointment continuously.
In storage EMM, the byte number that computer 3050 is stored by the interval calculation of rule also calculates the given emission bit rate of global bit rate instruction from above-mentioned multiplexer and software multiplexing device in view of the above.
With reference to backup database 3320 and 3322.In fact, in the present embodiment, these databases are sequential file memories, and they have the backup of content among the RAM3324.When message emitter is out of order and restart subsequently, or it is former thereby when restarting ME because of what no matter more to put it briefly, will form link between RAM and database, can be on this link the EMM of storage be uploaded to RAM.In this way, can eliminate the danger of when being out of order, losing EMM.
With regard to subscribing EMM, can store PPV EMM with the above similar mode, and, said sequence generally corresponding to the number in given operator and the described sequence corresponding to session number.
Smart card
Figure 18 is shown schematically in a son or " subscriber " smart card 3020, this card comprises a 8-bit microprocessor 110 such as the Motorola6805 microprocessor, it has an input/output bus that links to each other with one group of standard contacts 120, described contact in use is connected with corresponding one group of contact in the card reader of receiver/decoder 2020, and described card reader has conventional structure.Microprocessor 110 also is connected as bus with mask rom 130, RAM140 and the EEPROM150 of the best.Described smart card meets ISO7816-1,78162 and the 7816-3 standard agreement, these agreements have determined physical parameter, the specific communications of contact between the position on the chip and external system (particularly receiver/decoder 2020) and smart card of smart card respectively, and this paper is not further described these agreements.Just as described, microprocessor 110 function is the memory in managing smart card.
EEPROM150 includes the operator memory block 154,155,156 of some dynamic creation and the data field of dynamic creation, below is explained with reference to Figure 19.
With reference to Figure 19, EEPROM150 comprises permanent " card ID " (or manufacturer) district 151 of one 8, and this district includes the set permanent user's smart card sign of smart card 3020 manufacturers.
When the replacement smart card, microprocessor 110 signals to receiver/decoder 2020, and described signal comprises the sign of the employed condition visitation system of a smart card and according to the data that data generated that comprise card ID that are stored in the smart card.The receiver/decoder 2020 above-mentioned signals of storage also use the data of being stored to check whether this smart card is compatible mutually with receiver/decoder 2020 employed condition visitation systems afterwards.
EEPROM150 also includes one permanent " randomizer " district 152, and this district includes the program that is used to generate pseudo random number.Described random number is used to increase smart card 3020 kind that produce and that returned to the transaction output signal of broadcasting equipment.
Below randomizer district 152, be provided with permanent " management " district 153 of one 144 bytes.As described below, permanent directorial area 153 is that the employed particular operators of the program district among the ROM130 in 154,155,156 is distinguished in dynamic creation (and deletion).Permanent directorial area 153 includes the relevant data of authority of creating or deleting the memory block with smart card.
The program that is used for dynamic creation and deletion zone can respond the specific memory district and create (or deletion) EMM, and these EMM are transmitted and be received user's smart card 3020 that device/decoder 2020 receives and is passed to by SAS3002.In order to form said EMM, the operator need above-mentioned directorial area special-purpose special key words.This just can prevent operator's deletion memory block relevant with another operator.
Be a series of " operator ID " district 154,155,156 below directorial area 153, they are respectively owing to operator 1,2...N.Usually in the EEPROM with the pre-threading at least one operator ID district user smart card 3020, therefore, the end user can be decrypted programming by this operator.But such just as will be described below, the transaction output signal that end user (subscriber) can be generated with management area 153 its smart card 3020 of response is afterwards automatically created another operator ID district.
Each operator district 154,155,156 all includes the sign and the position of smart card in this group of the group under the smart card 3020.The broadcasting " group " that these data can make smart card (and other smart card in the group) response one have this group address (not being the position of smart card in this group) is subscribed EMM and is responded " individually " (or the commercial programme reservation) EMM that only sends to this smart card in the group.Every group can have 256 member's smart card, so this feature can reduce the required bandwidth of broadcasting EMM significantly.
Subscribe the required bandwidth of EMM in order further to reduce broadcasting " group ", upgrade the group data in the memory block similar, each operator district 154,155,156 in the EEPROM of smart card 3020 and other sub-smart card serially with all, thereby make the specific position of smart card change in each group, for example delete the formed vacancy of group membership to fill up.As in the STM server 3104 that a vacancy table is arranged, said vacancy can be filled up by SAS3002.
In this way, can reduce fragment, and the number of members of each group is remained on or approaching 256 maximum members.
All interior with being stored in EEPROM150 one or more " the operator's data objects " in each operator district 154,155,156 are associated.As shown in figure 19, " operator's data " object 157-165 of a series of dynamic creations is positioned at the below in operator ID district.Each object in these objects all is marked with:
A) " sign " 1,2,3...N, they are corresponding to relevant operator 1,2,3...N, shown in left part among Figure 19;
B) one " ID ", it has indicated the type of object; And
C) " data " district for the data reservation is shown in the right part of each associative operation person object among Figure 19.Should be realized that each operator all is associated with data object like the category, therefore, below the explanation of the data type in operator 1 the data object also is applicable to all other operators' data object.It shall yet further be noted that described data object is positioned at the adjacent physical areas of EEPROM, their order is unimportant.
The deleted data object can form " vacancy " 166 in smart card, that is to say, the byte that deleted object had before taken is not taken immediately.Therefore, byte or " vacancy " with " by leaving unused " is marked with:
A) " sign " 0; And
B) one " ID ", it indicates above-mentioned byte is empty to receive an object.
The next data object of being created is filled up the vacancy of 0 mark of sign.In this way, can utilize the limited memory capacity (4 kilobytes) of EEPROM150 fully.
The data object group that following reference is associated with each operator illustrates the example of aforementioned data object.
Data object 157 includes the EMM keyword, and it is used for the encryption EMM that receiver/decoder 2020 is received is decrypted.Described EMM keyword for good and all is stored in the data object 157.Can before providing smart card 3020, create data object 157, and/or, data object 157 when creating a new operator district (as previously mentioned), dynamically created.
Data object 159 includes the ECM keyword, and they are sent by associative operation person (being operator 1 in this example), so that the end user can be decrypted the specific program group that he subscribed.All send new ECM general every month and group is subscribed (renewal) EMM, this EMM can watch the end user from operator's 1 (in this example) broadcasting to upgrade to whole evening.(in the present embodiment by subscribing and the mode of indivedual (paid rating services)) the purchase rating authority of using independently that EMM and ECM keyword allow differently and can also improve fail safe.Paid rating service (PPV) pattern below will be described.
Owing to periodically send new ECM keyword, therefore, thereby key is to prevent that for example the timer of crossing in the receiver/decoder uses old ECM keyword to the user in case old ECM expires by closing receiver/decoder or replacement clock.Therefore, operator district 154 comprises such zone (size that generally has 2 bytes), and this zone includes the due date of ECM keyword.Smart card 3020 can with this date be included in that current date among the received ECM is made comparisons and if current date was decrypted than late just prevention of aforementioned due date.As mentioned above, transmit said due date by EMM.
Data object 161 includes one 64 reservation bitmap, the setting-up exercises to music author's that it can accurately be represented the user and is scheduled to program.Each all represents a program, and, if program is subscribed, then this position is set as " 1 ", if program is not subscribed, then this position is set as " 0 ".
Data object 163 includes a certain amount of token, and user's available this token in the PPV pattern is for example bought rating authority to broadcasting on the horizon according to free advance notice or other advertisement.Data object 163 also includes a limits value, and it can be set to for example buy on credit to allow the user for negative value.Can be for example with credit card and the backward channel 4002 by the band modulator-demodulator or use the voice server that combines with credit card to buy token.Can be a token or a plurality of token with specific programming events charge.
Data object 165 includes the description to the PPV incident, shown in the table 167 of Figure 20.
PPV event description table 167 includes: " session id " 168, and it identifies (corresponding with program and airtime and date) rating session; How one " conversation modes " 169, its indication buy rating authority (for example buying by the reservation pattern); One " session subscript " 170; And, " service of session rating " 171.
With regard to regard to PPV pattern program receiving, receiver decoder 2020 determines whether this program is the program of selling by the PPV pattern.If like this, decoder 2020 just checks with the project that is stored in the PPV event description table 167 whether the session id of this program has deposited description list 167 in.If deposited session id in the description list in, just from ECM, extract said control word.
If there is not session id in the description list, receiver/decoder 2020 just is shown to the end user by a special application program with a message to have as coming the authority of rating session or have with the communication server 3022 to link to each other to buy the authority of programming events by for example expense of 25 tokens from reading the ECM to indicate this user.Under the situation of using token, if end user's (with remote controller 2026 (see figure 2)s) answers "Yes", then decoder 2020 just sends to smart card with ECM, and smart card will be blocked and be deducted 25 tokens in 3020 the wallet and session ID168, conversation modes 169, session subscript 170 and session rating service 171 write into PPV event description table 167 and extract described control word out and to its deciphering from ECM.
In " reservation " pattern, an EMM is passed to smart card 3020, therefore, this smart card is used above-mentioned EMM PPV event description table 167 is write in session ID168, conversation modes 169, session subscript 170 and session rating service 171.
Session subscript 170 can be arranged to make a broadcast program be different from another broadcast program.This feature allow to a subclass of broadcast program for example 3/5ths broadcast program authorize.One will have that target ECM passes to smart card under the session different with being stored in current sessions subscript 170 in the PPV event description table 167, just the session rating be served 171 and subtract one.When the service of session rating reached zero, target ECM was decrypted smart card under the session different with the current sessions subscript to having with regard to refusal.
The initial value of session rating service only depends on that broadcast program provider wishes to limit the mode of involved programming events, and the session rating that is used for the respective program incident is served desirable any value.
Microprocessor 110 execution, one counting in the smart card and comparison program are to detect the restriction that when has reached specific program rating number of times.
Available aforementioned " callback " process comes to extract all session ids 168, conversation modes 169, session subscript 170 and the session rating service 171 in the PPV event description table 167 from smart card.
Each receiver/decoder 2020 all includes a sign, it can identify above-mentioned receiver/decoder 2020 uniquely or identify the production firm of this receiver/decoder or can classify to receiver/decoder by certain alternate manner, so that the smart card of the certain kinds that this receiver/decoder only can be made with a kind of specific smart card, by identical or corresponding production firm or only can work for the smart card of any other class of such receiver/decoder use.
In this way, can prevent to use unwarranted sub-smart card 3020 by a user's that broadcast program provider offers receiver/decoder 2020.
" shaking hands " between smart card and receiver, the EEPPOM of smart card 3020 can include the field or the bitmap of the type that illustrates that receiver/decoder 2020 can play a role.These types are to come appointment in the process of producing described smart card 3020 or by specific EMM.
The bitmap that is stored in the smart card 3020 generally comprises the nearly tabulation of 80 receiver/decoders, and each receiver/decoder has all identified a corresponding receiver/decoder ID, and smart card can be used with this ID.What be associated with each receiver/decoder is state " 1 " or " 0 ", and whether they indicate smart card can use with receiver/decoder respectively.The sign of searching receiver/decoder in the bitmap of program in being stored in smart card in the memory 2024 of receiver/decoder.If find this sign, and the value relevant with this sign be " 1 ", smart card " effectively " then, if do not find this sign, then smart card can not be used with described receiver/decoder.
In addition, if normally wish to authorize the smart card of in specific receiver/decoder, using other, then a specific EMM is sent to these smart card to change the bitmap of smart card by transceiver 2014 because of protocols having between the operator.
Its user all distinguishes in the provider of each broadcast program according to some certain criteria.For example, the certain user can be divided into " VIP ".Therefore, each broadcast program provider can be divided into its user a plurality of subclass, and each subclass includes any amount of user.
Subclass under the specific user is set among the SMS3004.SAS3002 passes to such user with EMM, this user with he under the relevant information of subclass (general length is a byte) write into the associative operation person data field of EEPROM of smart card for example in 154.When broadcast program provider broadcast program incident, just transmit one and be generally 256 ECM together with this incident, can the said incident of rating with the user that indicates which subclass, if as ECM is determined, do not have the authority of the aforementioned incident of rating, then refuse the rating program according to being stored in information user in the operator district.
For example can utilize this function during transmitting the particularly relevant program of specific program, to close the smart card of all the given operators in this geographic area with the athletic meeting held in the specific geographical area.By this mode, football club or other movement entity broadcasting authority outside can the sell them location can prevent local supporter rating athletic meeting in TV simultaneously.In this way, can encourage local supporter's booking to participate in the games.
The independent invention that each characteristics relevant with memory block 151 to 172 all can be regarded as and the dynamic creation memory block is irrelevant.
Should be realized that, more than be to illustrate of the present inventionly by way of example fully, can improve details within the scope of the invention.
Can provide disclosed each feature and (under suitable situation) claim and accompanying drawing in this specification independently or with any suitable combining form.
In above-mentioned most preferred embodiment, realized some feature of the present invention with computer software.But it is very clear that yes concerning the expert, and also available hardware realizes any one in these features.In addition, should be realized that, but electricity consumption or similarly signal realize with hardware, computer software or function that similar means realized.
Cross reference our common pending application books, all these applications have the identical submission date, exercise question is: " signal generates and broadcasting " (agent docket PC/ASB/19707), " smart card and the receiver that use for the receiver of encrypted broadcast signals " (agent docket PC/ASB/19708), " broadcasting and receiving system and the condition visitation system (agent docket PC/ASB/197010) that is used for said system; " computer documents being downloaded on the computer from reflector " (agent docket PC/ASB/19711); " transmission and the receptions of TV programme and other data " (agent docket PC/ASB/19712); " data download " (agent docket PC/ASB/19713); " computer memory organization " (agent docket PC/ASB/19714); " exploitation of TV or Radio Control System " (agent docket PC/ASB/19715) by receiver/decoder, extracted data portion (agent docket PC/ASB/19716) from the data flow of transmitting, " access control system " (agent docket PC/ASB/19717), " data handling system " (agent docket PC/ASB/19718), " broadcasting and receiving system and the receiver/decoder and the remote controller that are used for this system " (agent docket PC/ASB/19720).This paper has quoted the content of these files.Above-mentioned application inventory has comprised in this application.